Safety training for trawlermen
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fishermen will be given safety training in an effort to cut the number of deaths and serious accidents at sea, ministers announced yesterday.
Fishermen will be given safety training in an effort to cut the number of deaths and serious accidents at sea, ministers announced yesterday.
In a scheme that will cost £1.5m over the next three years, fishermen will attend courses on accident prevention and be taught how to assess potential dangers at sea.
Elliot Morley, a minister at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, said the government funding was intended to cover course fees but would also support trials of hi-tech equipment to make fishing vessels safer.
The latest announcement of grant aid follows a series of accidents at sea, including the sinking of the Solway Harvester, in which seven crew members died. It also follows the announcement of a further £1.5m for Scottish fishermen for safety training.
Mr Morley said he wanted the fishing industry to "develop a positive safety culture" in British waters and conceded that the schemes of past governments to provide grants for safety equipment had failed to reduce accident rates at sea.
The minister said he was currently in talks with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to develop the safety training courses.
"These will include courses to update safety awareness among fishermen hitherto exempt from the requirement for safety training," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments